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Charles Bird Obituary
Charles E. "Skip" Bird, 70, of Valparaiso, passed away Friday, February 11, 2011. He was born September 2, 1940 in Gary to Charles and Rita (Shields) Bird. Mr. Bird was a teacher at Valparaiso High School from 1963 until his retirement in 2001, during which time he coached swimming for over 30 years. Throughout his career he was loved and respected as a teacher, coach and humorist who inspired countless students and colleagues with his knowledge, perseverance and wit. Skip was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Wanatah. On April 24, 1965 in Valparaiso he married Hannah E. "Betsy" Platts, who survives, along with two daughters: Mary Anna (Daniel Matern) Bird of Chesterton and Patricia Elizabeth Bird of Valparaiso; three grandchildren: Sydney, Logan and Blake Spillers; and one brother, Robert Bird of Arvada, CO. He was preceded in death by his parents. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, February 15, 2011 at 10:00 AM at Moeller Funeral Home, Valparaiso, the Rev. David Gosnell officiating with burial to follow at Graceland Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday, February 14, 2011 from 3:00 to 8:00 PM. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Valparaiso High School Dollars for Scholars. Moellerfuneralhome.com
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Memories and Condolences
for Charles Bird
Jeff Tucker
July 17, 2024
Mr Bird was one of my favorite teachers in VHS. I remember him always reminding us that he may be small but he can get where it hurts most, mostly to the guys in his class. I will miss you Mr. Bird and may you also have a mansion in heaven on the same golden street as I do.
Ken Kihlstrom
February 12, 2024
It's been 13 years now and Skip Bird's impact on people still ripples on. Reading the tributes of friends, teammates and teachers (did we have the most amazing English teachers (Mr. Bird, Mrs. Clark and Mrs. Heckman)? Skip left this world not only a better place but a place where laughter was an essential part of life.
Tacy Borgman
February 7, 2022
I will never forget how much I learned from this wonderful man. I am still grateful every day.
James Michael Scott
February 6, 2021
My favorite high school teacher by far!
Carolyn Neale
August 18, 2011
I miss you so much
August 17, 2011
Mr. Bird was far more than a teacher. He touched me. I knew he cared about how I felt and the decision that I made for myself. That was SUCH a gift in high school.
I feel so late to this party, but I needed to say "thanks" and "safe journey." Lenny Hanson VHS Class of '80
Jennifer McClanahan
June 25, 2011
His wit and humor charmed us all. His zest for life inspired me. As a teacher, he challenged us to look outside our high school cocoon and participate in the real world. Thank you, Mr. Bird.
Heartfelt prayers for the Bird family.
James Scott
March 24, 2011
A wonderful man and a wonderful teacher. I was in his English class in 1969. He was one of the best teachers I ever had and also was a good friend. He tried to help me through a difficult time. He was beloved by his students and known for his wit and humor as well as his intellect. Forty years later I remember him well. A great man. James Scott, Chicago
John McAfee
March 22, 2011
I had the privilege of swimming on his team from 62-65. He was the an inspiration then and especially now. I have been confined in a wheelchair for 11 years and when so many people tell me I act like everything is normal, I owe a special thank you to Skip. We will miss him.
Angela Lloyd
March 3, 2011
I never had him for a teacher, but I heard great things about him. He will be missed.
Angela (Phillips) Lloyd, VHS 1997-2001
Clem Miller
February 19, 2011
I will miss Skip! I remember a little boy that came to the "Y" with his brother to swim. The first year, I was training for lifeguard and he sat on the side of the pool, period! The second year, I was a lifeguard and I told him I didn't accept anyone sitting on the side of the pool. I told him to get in the water and he said he couldn't swim because of his legs. We made a deal and I swam two lengths of the pool with my legs tied together...Skip was in the pool when I reached the end!!! From that point on I got a great thrill from his every achievement.
February 18, 2011
I will miss chatting with him about AMC and hearing his fishing stories. My sympathies are with you. Betsy Riley
Rick Dowdell
February 17, 2011
Loved him--- our loss is a great gain for Heaven
Michael Stack
February 17, 2011
I most remember Mr. Bird as an exceptional man who knew how to get the most out of his swimmers. "Get Out of Your Comfort Zone", he use to say. To this day I still live by & reflect on the lessons I learned from him. - VHS 1992 - 1996
Tiffany (Pullara) Talley
February 17, 2011
I am sorry for your loss. I didn't have Mr. Bird as a teacher but I was one of the managers of the swim team in 1993 and 1994. I have so many memories of him at the swim meets. He was such a great person. He touched and was an influenced many people. He will be missed dearly. May the Lord comfort you during this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you. He is another Angel in Heaven. Rest in Peace Mr. Bird
Sarah Gasienica
February 17, 2011
My deepest sympathies to Bird family. Mr. Bird was one of my favorite teachers and after 15 years, my creative writing notebook is still one of my prized possessions. In a very difficult time in my life, he taught me to believe in myself and to not just look at things, but to experience them. For that I am forever grateful.
Sarah Gasienica
Colleen Landry
February 16, 2011
My deepest sympathy to the Bird family. Mr. Bird was a great inspiration to me & countless others. Peace be with you Mr. Bird....you will not be forgotten.
Keith Sanford
February 16, 2011
I was a student and neighbor when I knew Skip as a teacher, coach, and father. Everybody loved him, me included. May he rest in peace.
Jill Blaszczyk
February 16, 2011
Dear Betsy, Mary, and Patty, I wish I had known about Skip's passing before today; I would have come to see you. He was the best teacher I ever had, anywhere. I treasure my creative writing notebook with his letter. Love, Jill Hohneck Blaszczyk, VHS swim team timer/Skip's student, class of 1974
Ann Davies
February 16, 2011
Dearest Betsy, Mary, and Patti --
Skip was the "light" for so many as teacher, coach, mentor at VHS. He took Tom Rice and I by hand and helped us in designing the Girls Team when we coached. Skip was that "it" teacher/coach that left an impression on everyone he met. Take care ...
Diana Austin
February 15, 2011
Betsy and Family,
Sending you peace and love at this time. As you know, Skip was a 'true teacher' to all of us, in all aspects of Life. What an inspiration. God Bless.
Kathleen Schenck
February 15, 2011
While I spent a life-changing July in 1987 in France with Mr. Bird and others for a swimming exchange program, I remember one moment in his creative writing class at VHS that has influenced me directly as a teacher. He read to us aloud from Richard Brautigan's "Trout Fishing in America" a vignette entitled, "Trout Fishing in America Terrorists". I am not sure if others in the class appreciated it as I did, but I read it to my college English classes today. Mr. Bird was full of love and joy, even when if not especially when yelling at the AAU swimmers still in the pool : "Hey you rugrats! Get outta the pool!". What a wonderful soul. Thank you for being you, Mr. Bird! With love, Kathleen Schenck, former rugrat
Mary Mathias Kindy
February 15, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Valerie Schlink
February 15, 2011
I swam on the girls team at Valpo in 1977, and met Coach Bird then for the first time. I then had him in my sophmore year for Humor & Satire. I just saw Skip in the Inpatient Rehab in Portage a few weeks ago. I'm so sorry for your loss.
Tim Slattery
February 15, 2011
I swam for Chesterton from 1977 to 1981. Coach Bird was always respectful of our team and often would ask me how my training was going. He was sincere when he wished me well and hoped that I swam fast. I remember the first time Chesterton ever beat Valpo, at their pool my senior year. A large crowd was there to honor him for one of the many deserved awards he had received. It took a .2 second win in the 400 relay to beat them. He offered us a classy congratulations. Valpo was lucky to have him.
Gary Rainaldi
February 15, 2011
Betsy, Mary and Patty, was so sorry to hear of Skips' Passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Wendy (Murvihill) Krauss
February 15, 2011
A life well lived! The world has lost a great teacher and he has touched so many lives. It goes on and on like a ripple in a pond. How many lives have been changed forever by one person? He was such an inspiration to me. He was my mentor and truly changed my life. He wasn't just an English teacher but so much more. A friend to his students, a philosopher, a funny guy. I loved making those poetry notebooks! He helped me to love the written word, to work hard and think. Rest in peace, Mr. Bird.
Todd Bickel
February 14, 2011
As the testimonies here convey, Skip touched many people's lives; as a husband, a father, a grandfather, a teacher, a coach, a mentor, a humorist, a healer, and most of all, a dear friend. The list is endless. He guided many of our lives as we transitioned into adulthood. He prepared us for the challenges that lay before us and in our futures. He provided us the tools and the ideals necessary to be successful in any path we chose. He encouraged us to share his teachings with others so that all may benefit. He was truly a special individual who will always remain in our hearts and in our memories. We will all miss you Skip.
February 14, 2011
Wonderful teacher
February 14, 2011
Skip, I'll always remember our times growing up on Fair St. You and brother Bob, I'll always remember.
John Kueck
February 14, 2011
Dear Betsy, Beth, and Patti, I am so sorry to hear of Skip's death. I admired him as coach long before my boys were in high school, and was so grateful for his guidance of them as coach and mentor during their years on the high school swim team. When I began teaching at the high school, my room in the old building was right across the hall from Skip's. He was so good to me, incredibly welcoming -- and such a huge help in so many ways. One of my earliest memories is of crossing the hall to ask his advice on a point of grammar (he was the expert!). Skip's class was working at their desks, but of course looked up when I came in. I asked my question quietly, and he quietly answered. And then he said in a very normal tone of voice: "Really, Kitty, we're going to have to stop meeting like this. People are beginning to talk!"
Skip was wonderful. He had the rare quality of making all of us better than we were, and I give thanks tonight for his life, so generously and lovingly lived! I won't forget him,ever! Kitty Clark, Racine, Wisconsin
Tim Fleming
February 14, 2011
To an amazing person, friend and mentor--thanks Mr. Bird! I attribute many successes to you and the team you helped create during a time of much learning and growth!
John Krick
February 14, 2011
He will truly be missed not only as an amazing coach but as a GREAT human being. I have very fond memories of my HS days and competing against his teams. To the Bird family, thank you for sharing your father & husband with us all.
David Rohde
February 14, 2011
"Even though I swam on a different team, you still were a positive influence." David Rohde MC Elston/Piranha
Jennifer Tice
February 14, 2011
Dear Betsy and family,
I had the good fortune of being in Skip's first 7th grade English class. He was inspirational , and he is the reason that I became an English teacher. I couldn't have been more pleased when he married my cousin, Betsy. I got to "keep" my favorite teacher as a member of the family! I still vividly remember the afternoon that Skip and Bet stopped at my parents' house to tell us the good news! I am lucky to have known Skip as a teacher, a family member, and a friend.
Blessings to all,
Arvel McElroy
February 14, 2011
Skip was truly an amazing gentleman and coach. I always enjoyed seeing him at the NISCA meetings and talking with him. He was one of the most positive persons I've known. I've missed seeing him these past few years. Betsy, my wife's and my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Aaron Pacholke
February 14, 2011
I feel fortunate to have been taught/coached by Coach Bird. An inspiration in so many ways. A true treasure of a person!
Josh Driver
February 14, 2011
You were a wonderful teacher and an amazing coach. I was an honor to swim under you. Thank you! I'll miss you very much.
Beth (Steininger) Wong
February 14, 2011
Remembering Coach Bird so fondly. To the Bird family, my sympathies and prayers. Your father was a wonderful person and coach. RIP Coach.
Fondly, Beth - Hobart High School 1989
Josh Stack
February 14, 2011
I had the privilege to swim under Coach Bird all four years at Valpo. Whether we realized it or not at the time, all of us swimmers and students were truly blessed to have a man so committed to excellence as our mentor and leader.
Coach Bird helped me realize my potential in the water and to always expect the best from myself in any situation. Among the myriad pieces of advice that have helped shape who I am today, one stands out and rings true today even if you aren't an athlete:
"If you find yourself falling behind in the race, don't give up; I you are leading the race, don't let up."
We'll miss you, Coach!
Dan Betjemann
February 14, 2011
My deepest sympathies and condolences to Mrs. Bird, Mary and Patty, and the entire family, on the passing of Mr. Bird. Far more than just an excellent coach, he was a mentor, innovator, educator, humorist, motivator, and an inspiration. He guided, challenged, supported and ultimately molded me to who I am today. I feel truly blessed to have been impacted by Mr. Bird and will never forget him. Thank you Skip for all that you have done! I am sorry for your loss.
February 14, 2011
Skip was a good friend and coworker at the NCAA Swimming and Diving Championships. We became close friends and reading his books kept me sane when I was coaching in Egypt. He will always be fondly remembered by his many friends, former athletes and fellow coaches.
Bill Miller
Clarion University
February 14, 2011
COACH BIRD WAS EVERYTHING TO THE VALPO SWIM PROGRAM HE WILL BE MISSED REST IN PEACE. RON MOSKOVSKY CLASS 1979 MUNSTER.
Stacy (Sattler) Sorg
February 14, 2011
Mr Bird was a wonderfully supportive creative writing teacher and an awesome swim coach. He touched my life and that of my family's in many ways. He had the unique ability to show people they shouldn't be afraid to dream big. In fact, I still have a few of his hand-written inspirational quotes that must have been hanging around the pool deck. I think of him fondly all these many years later and can still see him perched on the pool deck with a big smile on his face... or reverently and passionately teaching in the classroom. I wish the Bird family healing and peace and am honored to have known him.
Joe Jakab
February 14, 2011
I had Mr. Bird for humor and satire class. He made it one of the most enjoyable classes I had in high school. He is a great man.
Jamie Jeppesen-Erow
February 14, 2011
Coach Bird was such a great man! He had a heart of gold and was an old soul! I was so fortunate to have had him as my Creative Writing teacher. As much as I disliked writing poetry, he made it so fun and allowed you to express yourself as you saw fit. He was a phenomenal swim coach. I remember doing clinics with him in age group swimming and hearing all his stories from Doc Councilman's. And continuing on through High School. He was a true inspiration and had the best sense of humor. My condolences to his family and I thank you for letting him be such a big part of my life and everyone else's. My prayers are with the family during this difficult time and the time to come... RIP Skip
Fred Kendall
February 14, 2011
Mr. Bird was my swimming coach and English teacher in the late 70s. His unique sense of humor was priceless. More importantly, he taught me about the importance of hard work and dedication - values that I strive to uphold and teach our associates daily. Mr. Bird will always be one of my most cherished teachers/mentors.
Eric Smith
February 14, 2011
Coach Bird, you'll be missed, you were a wonderful teacher, even better person, and that mac you wouldn't throw away made you a lifelong customer! Rest in peace.
Joe Gerzema
February 13, 2011
My deepest sympathy to the Bird Family for your loss. My heart hurts that he's no longer with us, but I know he's in a great place and at peace.
Charles E. "Skip" Bird was everything to me. He was a man that I looked up to at 16, and a memory that I will continue to look up to for the rest of my life. He taught me so much, and helped chart a great course that I'm quite proud of. I owe so much to him, and I'm so honored to have been taught/coached by him and his wisdom.
Thank you Skip for everything you not only did for me, but for thousands of others.
God Bless You!
Jackie Gray
February 13, 2011
He taught so many of us about humor, grace, integrity, overcoming adversity, perseverance...oh, and...English. Your positive influence will be eternal Skipper.
He saw with his heart and not with his eyes.
Lee Anne Bettenhausen
February 13, 2011
I had the privilege of having Skip Bird as a teacher. I moved up here from Jacksonville FL when I was in fifth grade. all through school I was in special education classes.When I was in sixth grade I said that when I got into highschool I was not going to be in special ed classes seeing skip in the halls with his crutches showed me that just because you have a disability doesn't mean you can't do what everybody else does becuase of his example that second semester my freshman yr I whent straight regular ed with Skip and other teacher's help I graduated in the top 50% of my class Skip is a person I will miss he had a laugh that could cheer you when you where having one of those days and a smile that would light up the hole room. he also had a can do attitude never give up keep on trying and eventually you'll get it. You will be missed may the Lord comfort his family in there time of loss.
February 13, 2011
Dear Betsy, Mary & Patty,
Skip was so dear to the whole Bretscher family--and I was one of the female swimmers from years ago whose life was indelibly touched by him. It seems that I was at the brundt of his jokes at times (I hear even continuing years after I was gone from Valpo). But I always knew the "joking" was out of caring and love. I was one who was coached way back in the old 20 yard pool at the YMCA--how could we have such fun when he made us work so hard! And I've been so fortunate to maintain contact with the Bird family over these many years. I'm truly sorry that I'm unable to attend the visitation or funeral--and glad that some of my family will be there. May the Lord be your strength, comfort, hope and peace during this difficult time and in the days & weeks ahead. With much love,
Sarah (Bretscher) Stoehr
Ken Hough
February 13, 2011
I had Skip in his first "Humor" class. At first it was not funny. It is hard to teach humor. Skips natural humor came out on day two and all was well. He was an inspiring man that will be missed. During Humor Class Garth Johnson walked in and did the teacher talking to teacher talk, (you all know it, it sounds like a hiss) Skip walked over to me and asked me to step into the hall. There he and Mr. Johnson told me my dad had died. To say I was shocked is an understatement. My dad had died the year before! I told him that. He looked up at me and said "Well you can never have enough bad new in your life. Get back in your seat!!" I was a bit angry but look back at the event as the funniest thing that happened to me at VHS.
Josh Anderson
February 13, 2011
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Don and Susan Scott
February 13, 2011
Skip was an inspiration to students and fellow staff members throughout his career at VHS. His wit and intellect made him very special to those around him. We offer our condolences to Betsy, Patty, and Mary.
Bill and Cheryl Higer
February 13, 2011
Our hearts and prayers go out to the family of Skip. He was wonderfully inspirational and a one-in-a-million.
Sue White (Bowman)
February 13, 2011
So many students Mr. Bird had and I was one of the lucky ones to say he was my teacher at BF back in the late 60's. What a blessing to so many with his talent as a teacher, but also his wit. He will be greatly missed by all. My prayers and condolences are to the family. God has another angel to help him in heaven. Thanks Mr. Bird.
Corby Sanders
February 13, 2011
He showed me the highest form of teaching was coaching. He touched many lives.
Patty Cavanaugh Parent
February 13, 2011
Skip was a classmate at St. Paul's and VHS. I'll always his wonderful sense of humor. Rest in Peace Skipper.
Frank & Rose Mary Wheeler
February 13, 2011
Betsy and family you have our deepest sympathy and prayers we will always remember Skip as such inspiration to everyone who was privileged to know him.
Bill and Cindy Eberle
February 13, 2011
How fortunate we are to have had the opportunity to know Coach Bird. Our lives are better for it! He was a remarkable man and his teachings will not be forgotten. Our prayers are with his family.
Jill Grieger Atkins
February 13, 2011
Mr. Bird was a wonderful teacher, It's funny, no matter how old I got, he still remembered me! Rest in peace, Mr. Bird...
Bryan Steckler
February 13, 2011
Mr. Bird was the finest example of what a teacher and a coach can do to alter lives. His quiet determination inspired those who knew him to be better than they were before they came to know him.
Tacy (Casbon) Borgman
February 13, 2011
When our class entered Creative Writing Poetry, Mr. Bird said that since ours was a last period class, that he would not take attendance. Only those who really wanted to learn what he would teach about poetry should be there. Of course, no one missed a class and had the most open minds. I was lucky to have had three memorable classes with him and all of them had such impact. Blessings to your family, and thank you for sharing him with us.
Rosalinda Pedroza
February 13, 2011
I was very glad i got to have you as a teacher. You were an inspiration to me. I know your in a better place now.class of 2001.
Robert Lozanovski
February 13, 2011
I offer my sincere condolences to the family. I was deeply saddened about the news of Coach Bird passing. Some of my fondest memories include Skip. He was a mentor, a teacher, a coach and so much more to me. His loved ones can take comfort that Skip touched the hearts of many and was an inspiration to us all. God bless and rest in peace.
Scott Webb
February 13, 2011
As a teacher, he was respected and admired, but as a person, he was an inspiration. He will be missed dearly. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time. - Scott A. Webb
Amanda (Beckwith) VanDevender
February 13, 2011
Mr. Bird was more than a teacher to me. He was a mentor, a father figure and a friend. After my own father passed during my junior year in high school Mr. Bird was always there for me with a comforting word and a nugget of fatherly advice. I was fortunate to have him as a teacher for many classes. I also got to spend time with him on the pool deck. His influence in my life has gone way beyond my high school years. My sons will be better men because I knew Mr. Bird. My sincerest condolences to the Bird family. You have truly lost one of this world's greatest men.
Tiffany rhew
February 13, 2011
Mr. Bird was a great teacher and an inspiration to all. Rest in peace
Rebekah Vickers Swope
February 13, 2011
Thank you, Mr. Byrd, for teaching all of us in Valparaiso. On top of being a great educator, you became a great friend to so many of us. You will be missed.
February 13, 2011
Betsy and Girls,
I had the privilege of working with Skip
for 25 years. If you didn't learn from him there was something wrong. He was an inspiration to so many. He will be missed
by all. Nancy Brown
Heather (Van Dyke) Markson
February 13, 2011
I feel so lucky to have learned from you and sorry for those who will not have that chance, Mr. Bird. My thoughts are with your family.
Diane Bellovary Payne, Class of 1969
February 13, 2011
Mr. Bird was a great teacher and such an inspiration to his students. My deepest sympathy to his family.
February 12, 2011
Certainly enjoyed his Creative Writing course some years ago. Rest in Peace, Mr. Bird. You will be missed.
Kenworthy Family
February 12, 2011
Our sympathy to your family. Tho we did not know Mr. Bird well, three of our children were in his classes as well as a swim team member. He was always spoken of very highly by all our children.
Randall & Alberta Kenworthy
February 12, 2011
He was a great teacher as well a a great man. He will be mssed.
Patrick Joyce
Connie (Perkins) Florio
February 12, 2011
I will always remember Mr. Bird, he was a great teacher and kind man! My prayers for his family right now. Take pride in knowing that your husband and dad was a wonderful man that touched many lives, he will be greatly missed.
Anby (Baker) Kail
February 12, 2011
What a sad day for all of us who were touched by not only having Skip as a teacher or coach, but how fortunate we were to know him. I always admired and respected Mr. Bird. My condolences to his family for this loss.
Frank Thomas
February 12, 2011
A great teacher and a great man. A teacher many other teachers could learn from. 92' Graduate of Valpo.
Caroline Martin
February 12, 2011
Skip's passing was not without sorrow in this family. He was kind
Matthew Bretscher
February 12, 2011
Other than my family, there was not a person in my adolescence that prepared me for the future more than Mr. Bird. He was an unbelievable teacher & coach. In addition to the lessons he taught as a teacher in school, he also taught me courage, toughness, kindness, compassion...plus many, many jokes. He was truely one of a kind & I will never forget him & will never be able to express how much he meant to me. My condolences to Betsy, Mary, Patty & the rest of the family. I am deeply sorry for your loss. God's blessings.
Gary Heminger
February 12, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Julie (Neeley) Patterson
February 12, 2011
Mr. Bird was an amazing, talented, and wonderful teacher and coach. I feel so blessed to have been taught the wonder of words by this great man.
Mike Fandl
February 12, 2011
Mr. Bird was an amazing individual and one of the best teachers I ever had, as he treated his students as fundamentally intelligent. I'll always remember what he said about what the ancient Greek playwrite's wife said when presented her husbands torn robes: "Euripides, you mend em'"
February 12, 2011
Skip was a great mentor, and really good person. My sincere condolences to his family.
Fred Miller
February 12, 2011
Mr. Bird was greatly appreciated as a teacher mentor and coach! He will be greatly missed. Keep us safe Mr. Bird
Ginger (Myers) Clark
February 12, 2011
Skip was truly one of the best teachers I have ever known. So many generations of us had the great privilege of his influence. Rest in peace, you dear, dear man.
Tom Daly
February 12, 2011
Mr. Bird was one of the best teachers I ever had. I know he touched many lives. He leaves a great legacy.
Courtney Smith (Thorgren)
February 12, 2011
Best teacher I ever had! I loved Mr. Bird. He will be missed, but his legacy will live on!
Beau & Cindy Christian
February 12, 2011
Our hearts go out to Betsy and the girls . . we remember you and will always remember Skip and teaching together in Valparaiso.
Beau and Cindy Christian
Jim N.
February 12, 2011
May God Bless you.
February 12, 2011
I had Mr. Bird for an English Class he was always helpful and always funny he will be remembered
Kathy Metherd Creighton
Kent Grelling
February 12, 2011
Skip Bird's creative writing class remains one of the academic highlights of my years at VHS. He introduced us to Richard Brautigan, an author I have loved since that time and have always associated with him. His good humor and genuine caring stood out among my teachers.
My condolences go out to his family especially Mary. I am so sorry for your loss, your father was a great man.
David & Barb Ransom
February 12, 2011
Skip will be missed.
He always made people laugh and did nothing but encourage his students and athletes to do there best.
Skip is up in heaven coaching a swim-team with his whistle blowing loud and strong. He truly loved life and shared it with everyone.
Tammy (Pittman) VanDam
February 12, 2011
What did Skip Bird mean to me , well he taught me that if he could do it I could do it..will never forget those words..Had him for heroism class in high school and they couldnt of picked a better teacher to teach that class..Im sure I speak for alot of people when I say he was a Hero to many and Loved by all..God bless his family at this time and I will be there on Valentines Day to show my love for a great great man..
Robert Lozanovski
February 12, 2011
I was deeply saddened about the news of the passing of Coach Bird. Some of my fondest memories include Skip. He was a mentor
Michael Lesniak
February 12, 2011
Wish to offer my condolences to family and friends. Coach Bird always commanded respect and was obviously loved by his swimmers and those in the swimming community. It was an honour to compete with him.
Rich and Jean Hedgepeth
February 12, 2011
Our prayers are with you Betsy and your family. We will miss him very much.
Dennis Hengstebeck
February 12, 2011
May comfort find it's way to the hearts of the family! Mr. Bird was a great teacher for me, and he also helped me feel welcomed and valued when I first came to Valpo in 1969! God bless you Mr. Bird and Thank you!
Brenda Krause
February 12, 2011
What a great teacher and great person to know. Mr. Bird will certainly be missed by all.
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How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
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